The work of Christian Science was begun in Buffalo in 1887, and has shown a steady growth from the beginning.
It commenced with a series of public meetings which came to be known as "Parlor Talks." As the work of healing accompanying the preaching progressed, its theology was established with "signs following." This prepared the way for class instruction, and classes were formed and taught from time to time.
The weekly "talks" consisted of brief, simple statements of the Principles of Christian Science, — of its power in healing, when understood, and the spiritual uplifting which accompanies the understanding of Truth. These meetings began with a very small attendance — five to seven — but gradually increased until the parlors were filled, although this city, like every other, seemed to present an adamantine wall to defy its healing messengers.
It was not until August, 1888, that the work had advanced sufficiently to become generally known. At this time our teacher, recognizing the demand to "come up higher," called for a week of Sanctification, suggested in the words of Joshua, iii.. 5: "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves; for to-morrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
Special meetings were held at the homes of Scientists in various parts of the city for one week, during which time the students were brought to see as never before the holiness of their calling and its demands upon the present hour.
Following this, there was a unanimous vote to organize as a church body. A little time after, it was voted to organize a Sunday school in connection with the church. Then the Buffalo Institute of Christian Science was incorporated. Next in order came the Buffalo Students' Association.
A meeting for organization of the church having been called, an instrument, setting forth the purposes of the members in severally uniting under the name of Church of Christ, etc., in accordance with state statute, was subscribed by each member, and attested before notary. The instrument was then placed on tile with the county clerk.
The tenets and by-laws adopted were those of the Boston church.
At the first meeting of the church it was decided to hire a good hall, favorably located, and a sufficient sum was subscribed to defray the expenses and for music, books, etc., thus leaving the church collections to go to the treasury.
About this time at the students' meeting was instituted a "Five Cent Building Fund"; it is understood that each student is to put in at least five cents at each meeting. This fund has grown to upwards of $60.00 from this source. There is a Sunday-school fund which has also reached the sum of nearly $60.00. The church was organized with a membership of thirteen. Its attendance has reached 160 or more.
In February last Mr. Hardy received instruction at the Mass. Met. College, and on April 7 was ordained to the ministry of the "Gospel of glad tidings" as revealed in Christian Science. At the communion service following this ordination, communicants from nearly every denomination in the city were received into fellowship.
There are quite a large number here interested who have been studying Science and Health for nearly three years. For one year we have held meetings Sunday at 3.30 p.m.; read two chapters in the Bible; have silent prayer and the Lord's Prayer; then explain the two chapters, and take the Sunday-school lesson. For three years we have held Wednesday meetings with substantially the same exercises, but take up Science and Health for reading and explanation. We enjoy the meetings much, and they are very well attended. We have had much help from friends in Oconto. — Duluth, Minn.
The work in Oakland, Cal., has been rapidly progressing under the leadership of Mrs. J. H. D. The Institute was established February 1, 1887; the Association, April 2, 1887; the first Sunday service was held January 1, 1887; the regular week-day meetings commenced January 15, 1887, and for the last year one extra weekday meeting has been held.
Sunday, May 12, 1889, a Sunday school was organized. During the two years thirteen classes have been taught, and many are inquiring, What is Christian Science? Where are meetings held? etc., showing an interest in the great cause such as only good works can awaken. —
You will be rejoiced to learn that the Christian Science Dispensary here gives promise of doing great good. We have found it necessary to secure larger rooms, and also to have a reading-room in connection with the dispensary; so please change address in Journal to read, Christian Science Dispensary and Reading Room, 410 Milwaukee St. A young woman who applied to the dispensary for aid, perceived in some degree the meaning of the "All power and presence of Good." She had a brother bound by the claim of idiocy and so stubborn no one could manage him at home. She said to him, "Willie, God made you good, you are a good boy," repeating the words several times slowly. Willie had never heard such words before. His face lighted up with gladness. He at once became gentle and obedient to her, and wanted her to often repeat those magic words to him. What a lesson this teaches of the hungering for words of Truth and Love to loosen the shackles of beliefs in the power of evil, and give liberty to these captives of sensuous belief. — Milwaukee.
In the year 1882, the first seed of Christian Science fell into good ground in this city. One hopelessly blind, materially according to belief, accepted Christian Science. A seeker after Truth for Truth's sake, and through the consciousness of her spiritual sight, she is still pressing forward. In 1887, she was joined by others. In March, 1888, a class of six was formed, who received instruction, and in the fall of 1888, another class of ten students, all of whom now make up the Association.
In April of the present year, eleven of the children of Christian Science parents organized a Sunday school, and their eagerness to absorb and demonstrate this Truth, puts to shame, and is a rebuke to many of the mothers, who meet together once every week to study and for mutual improvement. Occasionally we are favored with a lecture by teachers from Milwaukee and Chicago. These lectures have proved of great benefit to us.
At this time, nineteen students are earnestly reaching out for the Truth, and to become one with the children of Life, Truth, and Love. — Oshkosh, Wis.
We are gaining ground, and have removed our place of meeting to pleasant rooms, corner of Main and High Streets, where forty persons can be seated. The first Bible reading was held there last Sunday, with good attendance. Regular service will now be held at 10.30 a.m., and Sister V. S. P. will explain the International Lessons, using Bro. Mason's lessons as texts. — Elkhart, Ind.
Mr. Lyman Brackett, of 152 Tremont St., Boston, a student of Christian Science, and well-known teacher of the piano, and director of music in churches for fifteen years past, is actively engaged in the compilation of the promised Christian Science hymnbook. Every reader of the Journal has some favorite hymns. Let everyone send to Mr. Brackett, as above, his or her list of hymns suited for a Scientist hymn-book, with a reference to the collection in which each is found, the number of the page and the name of publisher. Many valuable contributions have already been sent to the editor of the Journal.
To his other titles to confidence as the compiler of our hymnbooks Mr. Brackett adds that of composer of the music for the beautiful hymn of our Teacher, "Feed my Sheep."
The readers of the Journal will be glad to see the following extracts from a letter just received from Sister Ellen Brown Linscott, referring to the work of her husband, Capt. John Linscott, and herself in St. Paul, where they have opened a Christian Science Institute. — "We have, ever since the National Association Meeting at Cleveland, been away from Chicago, travelling through the far West. We voiced the Truth wherever we had opportunity, and have done what we could to place Science and Health and Christian Science in their true light in the minds of the people. Now at last, we are settled at work in this place. Error has run rampant here, and intense prejudice exists (in belief) against the Science. The principal claim is that it is unchristian, and does not heal, etc. We will, therefore, give our time to demonstration. My husband has opened a 'Bible Class' in the line of Christian Science to help counteract the claim of so many, that it is unchristian; that we do not believe in the Bible, etc. —
We have held Thursday P. M. meetings since last February, with a small attendance. For the past three weeks have met Sunday afternoon and studied the Sunday-school lessons by Mr. Mason. Our city needs this Truth and wants it (if it only knew it), and therefore it will, must, have it. —
August 1, last, a Church of Christ (Scientist) was organized in San Francisco, Cal. The services are held in the forenoon at Covenant Hall, Odd Fellows' Building.
July 19, a Church of Christ (Scientist) was organized at Indianapolis. A dispensary and reading room were also opened at the same time. Upwards of thirty are enrolled as members of the church.
At Hull, Iowa, a Sabbath school was organized the first of August with twenty-six present. —
